Job Posting Title:
Manager Programming
Req ID:
10136185
Job Description:
About the Team: The ESPN Programming & Acquisitions team is pivotal in shaping the network’s sports content strategy. Our responsibilities include:
- Content Strategy & Scheduling: Design and manage programming schedules across ESPN’s platforms (linear, digital, and streaming) to ensure optimal placement of live events, studio shows, and original content, maximizing audience engagement.
- Rights Acquisition: Negotiate and secure broadcast and digital rights for a diverse range of sports properties, including professional leagues, collegiate athletics, international competitions, and emerging sports.
- Partnership Management: Collaborate with leagues, teams, and governing bodies to maintain strong relationships and ensure successful execution of contractual obligations.
- Audience & Market Analysis: Utilize data-driven insights to guide programming decisions, identify growth opportunities, and adapt to shifting viewer preferences and consumption habits.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Coordinate with other ESPN departments (e.g., production, marketing, digital) to deliver cohesive and compelling content experiences across all platforms.
- Innovation & Expansion: Explore new sports, formats, and technologies to expand ESPN’s portfolio and stay ahead of industry trends.
About the Role: As the Programming Manager, you will oversee the men’s and women’s college basketball and high school sports programming team. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting in the strategic approach to building ESPN’s men’s and women’s college basketball linear programming schedule.
- Maintaining ESPN’s college basketball programming schedules.
- Serving as a liaison between programming and various partner conferences.
- Researching and staying current on team projections and potential audience deliveries.
- Collaborating with the associate manager to serve as a liaison between the college basketball programming team and various internal departments.
- Overseeing the internal scheduling processes for men’s and women’s college basketball in internal systems.
- Working closely with the digital team to ensure men’s and women’s basketball from partner conferences are inputted accurately.
- Leading efforts in high school programming strategy.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience
- Strong knowledge of sports television, the sports business, and the cable industry.
- Experience in college basketball operations or a similar role
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the scope and operations of ESPN networks.
- Knowledge of the television programming industry, focusing on the sports programming business and network and cable properties.
- Awareness of industry trends and competitor developments.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Willingness to work some nights and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in television contract negotiations with the ability to read and interpret contracts.
- Knowledge of college basketball.
- Familiarity with Content Scheduler, NCS system, or other ORACLE-related computer systems.
- Minimum of 7 years' experience in television programming or a related sports business field.
- Experience working with legal contracts.
Required Education:
#ESPNMedia
Job Posting Segment:
ESPN Programming & Acquisitions
Job Posting Primary Business:
College Sports Programming & Acquisitions
Primary Job Posting Category:
Program Acquisitions
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Bristol, CT, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
USA - NC - 11016 Rushmore Dr - Frenette Building
Date Posted:
2025-11-14